After weeks of inactivity since the start of free agency, the Golden State Warriors have made a flurry of moves in recent days by signing former Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams, veteran forward Georges Niang and former first-round pick Dalen Terry.
Yet the biggest offseason move was arguably made over six weeks ago, and will be sitting on Steve Kerr's bench as a far more hidden piece to the Warriors hopes of a return to the playoffs next year.
Frank Vogel might be Warriors' biggest offseason move
The Warriors signed former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel to be their lead assistant in early July, having previously parted ways with Jerry Stackhouse and Terry Stotts at the end of last season.
As much as fans might talk themselves into the potential impact Williams, Niang or even Terry could bring to Golden State, the reality is that it's more likely that Vogel actually has greater influence on how the team fares this season.
The Warriors are bringing Vogel into have a significant say on their schemes, particularly defensively where he's built his reputation across over 900 games as a head coach with the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Lakers and Phoenix Suns.
Golden State fell from a seventh ranked defense to 16th last season, culminating in their absence from the playoffs after a second-round appearance the previous year. With six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler and a 40% 3-point shooter in Moses Moody sitting on the sidelines to start the season, the need for an improved defensive unit is paramount if the Warriors are going to be competitive until the wing duo return.
Warriors need Frank Vogel to help improve their defense
Vogel has a history of making defenses better straight away, albeit more notably as a head coach rather than a lead assistant. He took the Lakers from a 13th-ranked defense to third in his first season in 2019-20, finishing with a championship in the bubble behind the star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Lakers then had the best defense in the league the following season, before stumbling to 21st which saw Vogel fired after three years. The Suns ranked 13th in defense during his sole year in 2023-24, but he was ousted after being swept in the first round.
Williams and Niang could be part of Golden State's rotation early in the season, yet it's also hard to ignore the fact they were the final two players added to the roster. Those players signed so late into free agency rarely deliver huge impact particularly come playoff time, whereas Vogel's defensive schemes could be felt across the roster and have far more significant effect on the team.
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